Asbury Theological Seminary eplace: preserving, learning, and creative exchange Syllabi ecommons 1-1-2009 NT 520 New Testament Introduction Bart B. Bruehler Follow this and additional s at: http://place.asburyseminary.edu/syllabi Recommended Citation Bruehler, Bart B., "NT 520 New Testament Introduction" (2009). Syllabi. Book 61. http://place.asburyseminary.edu/syllabi/61 This Document is brought to you for free and open access by the ecommons at eplace: preserving, learning, and creative exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Syllabi by an authorized administrator of eplace: preserving, learning, and creative exchange. For more information, please contact thad.horner@asburyseminary.edu.
1 of 6 6/10/2009 6:50 PM Syllabus Course: NT520 W2 (SP 2009) Title: New Testament Introduction Hours: 3.00 Published: Yes, on 01/19/2009 Prerequisites: None Department: New Testament Faculty: Dr. Bart Bruehler Email: bart.bruehler@asburyseminary.edu Office: AD SPO: Meetings: During 02/09/2009 to 05/22/2009 on Tuesday from 6:15p to 9:00p in AD302. Maximum Registration: 40 Catalog Description: An introduction to (1) the literature of the New Testament in its socio-historical, literary and canonical contexts; and (2) critical study of the New Testament. Objectives: Date NT 520: Introduction to the New Testament Asbury Theological Seminary Wilmore Campus, Room TBA Spring 2009, Tuesday 6-9pm 3 Credit Hours Icon - Holy Equals-to-the- Apostles Methodius and Cyril by Exploring Orthodoxy. Professor: Bart B. Bruehler, Ph.D. Contact Information: 765-674-1749 (home, no calls after 9pm) 765-506-7470 (cell, no calls after 9pm) Bart.bruehler@asburyseminary.edu Office: AD 307 Office Hours: T 3-5pm, W 4-5pm 1. 2. Course Description An introduction to (1) the literature of the New Testament in its socio-historical, literary and canonical contexts; and (2) critical study of the New Testament. Course Objectives When students successfully complete this course, they will be able to: Provide a basic timeline of the canonization of the books of the NT, explain the criteria of canonization, and describe the functions of the canon in Christian faith and practice. State the contents, generic characteristics, primary theological emphases, and major background issues of most books in the NT.
2 of 6 6/10/2009 6:50 PM 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11. Explain several cultural elements of the NT world and how they inform our interpretation of specific NT passages. Recognize the aims, strengths, and weaknesses of several critical methodologies used to study the NT. Critically interact with a variety of types of secondary literature on the NT in order to prepare to use them effectively for interpretation. Recognize, value, and evaluate the impact of contemporary cultural and theological perspectives on the interpretation of the NT. Text Box: Read these Describe their view of the inspiration and authority of the NT for personal and ecclesial objectives carefully. They discipleship. are the core of the class 8. Articulate how they balance and integrate serious academic study of the NT and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the theological interpretation of scripture. 9. Feel the need for further academic skills (especially original languages and interpretive methods) for future study of the NT. State and commit to a set of foundational principles to guide future interpretation of the NT. Choose to follow Christ more closely by making the interpretation of the NT a core part of their theology and practice in their future ministry. Textbooks Required Texts 1. A Bible in translation with Old and New Testaments. The NRSV recommended, and the NIV is acceptable, but please avoid paraphrases like The Message. A Bible containing the Apocrypha may also be helpful. 2. desilva, David A. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVars Press, 2004. 3. Treier, Daniel J. Introducing Theological Interpretation: Recovering an Ancient Christian Practice. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008. 4. Bauer, David R. An Annotated Guide to Biblical Resources for Ministry. Annotated Guides 16. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2003. Note: Use this book as an aid in finding the best NT interpretation resources (bible dictionaries, Greek grammars, lexicons, concordanc etc.). Text Box: 4 Required Texts and 2 Recommended Texts Recommended Texts These are books that will be helpful for you to have for this class and for the future, but there are no required readings from them. I understand the stresses on student budget, so you may judge whether to purchase them or not. 1. Soulen, Richard N. and P. Kendall Soulen. Handbook of Biblical Criticism. 3 rd rev. ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001. Note: This book will help you with some of the specialized vocabulary and methods used in the study of the New Testament. 2. Evans, Craig A. and Stanley E. Porter. Dictionary of New Testament Background. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 2000. Note: Th an excellent and reliable dictionary that covers many areas related to the cultural background of the New Testament. It would be an excellent book for your reference library. Assignments for Achieving Course Objectives 1. Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (200 points) Your attendance, preparation, and participation are a critical part of your learning. You are only permitted one unexcused absence. Your final grade will be reduced by 50 points for each unexcused absence after the first. Even though this is an introductory course, discussion will take up much of our class time. I want you not only to be exposed to this information but learn how to use what you learn to form your theological and ministerial perspectives. Therefore, you must complete all assigned readings before class and come to class ready for discussion. Class discussions will use and build upon your readings as we look at themes and specific passages in scripture in light of various critical and hermeneutical approaches. You will not receive 200 points for perfect attendance. You must earn these points by actively participating in class discussions. 2. aration Papers (200 points) Most class sessions will focus on two thematic questions, a critical method, and a hermeneutical issue. In order to prepare for each class you must write a one page, single-spaced answer to one of the thematic questions based primarily on the assigned readings for that week (including a book from the NT!). You will write 10 of these, and they will be worth 20 points each. These will not primarily be graded in terms of finding the right answer but how well they reflect that you have digested and applied the assigned readings in meaningful ways that help to answer one of the thematic questions. 2. Form Quizzes (100 points) Because the NT is a written document, part of an introduction to the NT is an introduction to its literary forms. Your IBS classes will also ask you to identify common forms that aid in interpretation. Your reading from Literary Forms in the New Testament will be the focus of these quizzes (supplemented by class discussions). Thus, you will take 2 online quizzes: one covering gospel forms (pp. 89-188) and one covering forms found in the Pauline tradition (21-88). These quizzes are all open book. You may study in groups, but the quizzes must be taken individually. (I will monitor the times and scores of quizzes to check for any cheating). Each quiz will open at 10am on the
3 of 6 6/10/2009 6:50 PM Saturday before the class day where it is listed in the syllabus, and it must be completed before class (by 6pm) on the date noted in the syllabus. Each quiz will have 25 questions worth 2 points each, and you will have a 1 hour time limit on each quiz. The questions will be objective in nature (e.g. multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, etc.) and will focus on identifying the form of various NT passages. I would encourage you to read the required material, review it soon before you take the quiz to refamiliarize yourself with the material, then have your textbook and Bible open as you take the quiz. 3. Integrative Reading Assignments (350 points) As an introductory course, this class will cover a variety of topics. The textbook will provide basic information about the background and contents of several books in the NT. In class, we will probe a specific themes and passages from NT books. We will also discuss a variety of critical methods used to study and interpret the NT. Finally, we will consider some theological and hermeneutical issues that impact our understanding and use of the NT. The Integrative Reading Assignment (or IRA for short) will help you bring this variety of things together as you read a particular passage of scripture. For the first IRA, you will choose a short passage from one of the gospels, apply several of the critical and hermeneutical approaches we have discussed in class, integrate these various approach into an overall statement of your understanding of the passage, and conclude with a lesson plan for a Sunday School class on this passage. This first assignment will be worth 150. The second IRA will follow the same format but with a passage from one of the Pauline letters. The second IRA will be worth 200 points since you will know more and have a better idea of what is expected. For each IRA, you must meet with at least one other student in the class who will read and critique your paper before you submit it (you must include a copy of the 062_athanasius.jpg - 72790 Bytes edited paper and short written comment from your partner with the final paper). I will plan to meet with groups of students before each IRA assignment is due. I will organize groups by what book your passage is in and schedule these meetings with you. A detailed assignment sheet and grading rubric for each IRA will be handed out in class. 4. Church and Academy Essay (150 points) NT 520 is one of the courses that supports your Christian Formation Program Portfolio. (If you are not familiar with this program ask a more advanced student or the professor.) One part of your portfolio is a paper that explores the relationship between the church and the academy that you write while taking NT 520. This paper should be 7-8 pages long and should consider the following questions: Specifically, how will I integrate the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the demands of practical ministry, and the principles of the academic study scripture? More broadly, how do I understand the relationship of the church as the body of Christ living out the Kingdom of God and the academy with its devotion to careful and accurate thinking? For this paper, you should read Treier s Introducing the Theological Interpretation of Scripture. The paper should NOT be a book report on this book, but I want you to use the material in the book and fuel for your reflection and as a dialogue partner as you process the questions listed above. This paper should include both information and reflection. That is, you should incorporate specific material learned from class, your reading of Treier, and your own personal thoughts about the relationship of the church and the academy. Grading Criteria 1. Grading Chart: The following chart collects all of the above assignments and shows their point values. The class has a total of 1000 points available. Assignment Points Attendance, Preparation & Participation 200 Papers 200 Form Quizzes (2 @ 50 pts each) 100 IRA 1 150 IRA 2 200 Church and Academy Paper 150 Total 1000 2. Grade Characteristics: The follow chart provides a description of how I understand the qualities of various grades. All of your assignments will be assigned a numerical score and then a letter grade that corresponds to the characteristics set forth below. A (100-94%) Exceptional Exceeds assignment objectives; considerable evidence of original thinking; demonstrates outstanding capacity to analyze and synthesize; incisive grasp of subject matter; evidence of extensive knowledge base. Meets all assignment objectives; some evidence of critical capacity and analytical ability; reasonable understanding of relevant issues; firm grasp of subject matter; evidence of familiarity with relevant material. A- (93-90%) B+ (89-87%) B (86-84%) Good B- (83-80%) C+ (79-77%) Meets basic assignment objectives; evidence of some
4 of 6 6/10/2009 6:50 PM C (76-74%) C- (73-70%) D+ (69-67%) D (66-64%) D- (63-60%) F (59-0%) Acceptable Marginal Unacceptable understanding of the subject matter; ability to develop solutions to simple problems; reflects awareness of basics. Falls short of assignment objectives; evidence of minimally acceptable familiarity with subject matter; limited critical and analytical skills, gaps in connections to relevant material Fails to meet assignment objectives; insufficient evidence of understanding of the subject matter; weaknesses in critical and analytical skills; limited use of the literature. Text Box: Only 1 unexcused absence! 3. Attendance: You are only permitted one (1) unexcused absence from this class because of the 3 hour block format. Your final grade will be lowered by 50 points for each unexcused absence after the first. You may be excused from class for emergencies, illness, unforeseen travel difficulties, and irreconcilable professional responsibilities, but please plan ahead as much as possible to avoid missing class. Finally, missing any class will reduce your understand of the material and ultimately affect your learning negatively. 4. Late Assignments: The dates listed in the schedule below designate the time that a given reading or assignment is actually due. Assignments may only be turned in late for two reasons. First, you may prearrange turning in an assignment late with the professor due to irreconcilable family or professional responsibilities. Second, you may submit late because of a genuine emergency, but you must contact the professor as quickly as possible. If you are ill or otherwise kept away from class you may submit by email or on Moodle, but it must be received by the beginning of scheduled the scheduled class to be accepted. 5. Independence and Plagiarism: Individual assignments must reflect the independent of each student. Collaboration is encouraged but exercise special care to preserve the independence of each student. Group projects naturally include group cooperation, but each student is expected to contribute equally. Plagiarism is defined as employing the words and/or ideas of a specific source or person without appropriately citing that source in final. Students should avoid plagiarism at all costs and check with the instructor if they are uncertain about citing a source. Assignments with plagiarized material may be reassigned, penalized, or counted as zero points. 6. Other Policies: This course will follow all of the other policies outlined in the current Asbury Seminary catalog. You should be familiar with the policies regarding incompletes, drop/add, withdrawal, and assisting students with disabilities in particular. Course Communication 1. The syllabus: This syllabus represents a firm but also flexible portrayal of this class. The professor reserves the right to alter it after discussing changes with the class. 2. Contacting the Professor: Email is the best way to contact the professor. Phone calls are acceptable in necessary situations but should be limited. Text Box: Use email first and check Moodle regularly. 4. Moodle: This class will have an active Moodle site with various functions: contacting the professor, online office hours, peer discussions, submitting some assignments, and class announcements. Please familiarize yourself with Moodle and check our class site regularly. Couse Schedule Date Book Thematic Questions 2/10 Introduction to How do we read the Class the NT? 2/17 Mark Why does the centurion confess Jesus as the Son of God? & What does Mark 3:21-22 mean? Critical Method Reading Contextually Hermeneutical Issues Methods and tools for historical research Historical Background of the New Testament Reading desilva, 19-28 The Gospel of Mark; desilva, 37-110, 194-233; Moloney, Mark: Storyteller, Interpreter, Evangelist, pp. 63-69 Assignments
5 of 6 6/10/2009 6:50 PM 2/24 Matthew Why does Jesus teach so much in Matthew? & How do we read parables (Matthew 13:1-50)? 3/3 Luke Why does Luke focus on wealth and poverty? & What is the significance of Luke 4:14-44? Redaction Criticism (how to use a synopsis) Textual Criticism Cultural Patterns in the NT world Gospels and their forms The Gospel of Matthew; desilva, 111-193, 234-297; Schnackenbug, The Gospel of Matthew, 121-131 The Gospel of Luke; desilva, 298-347; Literary Forms in the New Testament, pp. 89-188; Fitzmyer, The Gospel according to Luke, I: 525-39 3/10 Acts Why is the resurrection so important? & How does the church make decisions (Acts 15:1-21) 3/17 John Who is the Holy Spirit? & How is John 9-10 tied together? 3/24 Intro to Paul and 1 Thessalonians 3/31 READING WEEK 4/7 (1 &) 2 Corinthians What is the rapture? What does grace mean? & How cane we be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:16-21)? 4/14 Romans What is Righteousness? & Are we predestined (Rom 9-11)? 4/21 Ephesians & 1 Timothy Why is the church a household? & Can women teach 1 Tim 2:8-15)? Rhetorical Criticism, Part 1: Types of Rhetoric Narrative Criticism Epistles and their forms Rhetorical Criticism, Part 2: Parts of an oration Cultural/ Ideological criticism Cultural/ Ideological criticism The Canon, Part 1: Its history and development The Canon, Part 2: Theological significance and functions The Holy Spirit, Part 1: views of inspiration The Holy Spirit, Part 2: inspiration and interpretation A Wesleyan Perspective on Scripture Foundations for Interpretation, Part 1 Acts; desilva, 348-390; Johnson, The Writings of the New Testament, 595-619; Soards, The Speeches in Acts, 77-95 The Gospel of John; desilva, 391-448; Moloney, John (Sacra Pagina), 289-311 1 Thessalonians; desilva, 475-492, 527-554; Literary Forms in the New Testament, pp. 21-88 1 & 2 Corinthians; desilva, 555-597; Bruehler, Proverbs, Persuasion, and People, New Testament Studies 48: 209-224; Fowl, Engaging Scripture, 97-127 Romans; desilva 598-639; Escarfuller, Repudiating Assimilation in Reading Romans 9-11, in Navigating Romans through Cultures, 137-167; Green Is There a Contemporary Wesleyan Hermeneutic? in Reading the Bible in Wesleyan Ways, 123-136; Ephesians; 1 Timothy; desilva, 685-775; Krause, 1 Timothy, 50-66 Online Quiz covering Gospel Forms must be completed by today. IRA 1 Due Online Quiz covering Epistle forms must be completed by today
6 of 6 6/10/2009 6:50 PM 4/28 Hebrews Why is Jesus better? & What does the blood of Christ do (Heb 9:11-14)? 5/5 James Why is wisdom pure? & Does James disagree with Paul (Ja 2:14-26)? 5/12 Revelation Who is the dragon? & What is heaven like (Rev 21:1-22:5)? Rhetorical Criticism, Part 3: Types of Proof Social Scientific Criticism Apocalypticism Foundations for Interpretation, Part 2 Catch up or student choice Church and Academy Paper discussion Hebrews; desilva, 776-813; Witherington, Letters and Homilies for Jewish Christians, 436-448 James; desilva 814-840; Brosend, James and Jude, 55-70 Revelation; desilva, 885-932; Reddish, Revelation, 229-248 IRA 2 Due 5/19 Final Exam Church and Academy Paper Due